Before Nexus-Woodbourne, Robin faced challenges dealing with grief, depression, and anxiety. His relationship with his mother had been strained, and after experiencing the loss of loved ones, his way of coping led to a lot of anger. With struggles to channel and control his emotions, Robin needed a safe space to find comfort and discipline in how he expresses himself.
Robin took charge of his healing journey and found support at Nexus-Woodbourne Family Healing. There, he didn’t just adjust, he transformed. Through daily routines that included school, peer interactions, games, and time outdoors, Robin began to develop a sense of stability. Weekly check-ins with Nexus employees became therapeutic milestones in his journey.
“They actually cared about us,” Robin recalls. “I had a safety net knowing staff were there to support me, take a personal approach, and be relatable. There was always someone I could talk to.” Even academically, Robin did well with his schoolwork and always felt he had someone he could ask if he needed any help.
Robin embraced his time at Nexus-Woodbourne by participating in the different campus experiences and opportunities. One of his most memorable moments was a trip to Six Flags. It wasn’t just a day out, it was a day where he felt free. “It was a great trip. Everyone was happy,” he says. “I was able to feel normal and casual, not overly supervised and controlled.”
Robin learned how to better manage his emotions, especially in moments where he was on the verge of losing his temper. Over time, he found ways to respond positively during tough conversations, discovering the power of self-control he hadn’t realized he had.
Developing new coping strategies
A pivotal moment came when a guest speaker shared tools for managing grief. That conversation sparked the idea of a creative outlet for him, so he began to draw, using his art to process feelings that were once overwhelming. What started as a coping strategy became a talent and a passion.
Robin also discovered a love for cooking while taking a campus workshop and earning a certificate of achievement for his participation. Cooking became more than a skill, it became another way to care for himself, build confidence, and imagine a brighter future.
After his time at Nexus-Woodbourne, Robin returned to high school with a fresh perspective. His friends welcomed him home and noticed the positive differences in him. He graduated successfully and now plans to pursue a degree in cybersecurity while continuing his love for cooking as a hobby.
He reflects on his experience not as a steppingstone, but as a chapter where he did the work to overcome, to grow, and to prepare for what’s next.
“I’m still working on myself, but right now, I’m doing great,” he says.
Robin’s relationship with his mom is stronger than ever. He says they talk more now, and she’s proud of the changes she’s seen in him.
Looking back, Robin remembers feeling truly accepted at Nexus-Woodbourne. “They made me feel at home,” he says. “The staff always stepped in and offered a positive, personal perspective.”
His advice for others dealing with similar issues shouldn’t make the process hard on themselves and to “just do your best, trust the people around you, and allow them to help you personally and emotionally.”
Robin’s story is a testament to what’s possible when someone chooses to grow. He’s proud of how far he’s come, overcoming the challenges he faced and becoming a stronger, more confident version of himself.